Agric Colleges 

PROJECT NUMBER: 3770-08-TRF

Problem/ Current situation

Potato production forms part of the curriculum for all horticulture students at the agricultural colleges. The book “Guide to Potato Production in South Africa” is used as a reference and for practical training a potato planting of at least six hectares of potatoes is done in January each year.

Goals

To give crop production students a good background and overview on good potato production practices that includes: potato production, marketing and the structures within the industry.

Objectives/ Outcomes   

• Receipt of theoretical and practical training on potato production by crop production students 
• Increased capacity and developed skills and knowledge by students on potato production and the industry

Time frame:  2009- 2010

Action plan: 

• Plan and plant a demonstration trial at the college
• Oversee students’ potato practicals
• Offer lectures on production practices to students
• Hold a potato information day during the harvesting of potatoes
• Potatoes South Africa to supply all inputs, coordinate guest speakers, lifting and marketing 

Success criteria

Continuous solid relationship between Potatoes South Africa and agricultural colleges exposes a lot of students to the potato Iindustry and generates interest in potatoes.

Assumptions, Risks, Obstacles

• Students failing to take opportunities in the industry and choosing other industries after completion
• The industry failing to absorb most of the students after completion